About this book
"Call Me Max" by Kyle Lukoff tells the story of a young transgender boy named Max who embarks on a journey of self-acceptance and identity as he navigates the challenges of being true to himself in a new school environment. The book explores themes of gender identity, friendship, and the importance of supportive communities, highlighting the significance of names and how they affirm personal identity. This heartfelt narrative serves as an empowering resource for young readers to understand and embrace diversity in gender experiences.
Why it was banned
Removed or restricted in U.S. school settings because it features a transgender child. In 2022, Palm Beach County, Florida removed Call Me Max and I Am Jazz from school libraries without a standard review process, according to free-expression groups.
Censorship history
United States school ban context: Call Me Max has been repeatedly targeted in U.S. schools and libraries because it introduces young readers to a transgender boy. In Palm Beach County, Florida, the book was removed from school libraries in 2022 alongside I Am Jazz, prompting objections from the National Coalition Against Censorship. PEN America has also identified the book as banned in multiple school contexts, and it later appeared in broader legal and political disputes over LGBTQ books for young readers. The censorship record shows how even early-reader books can become flashpoints when gender identity is treated as inappropriate for children.
Bans
| Country | Year | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2025 | LGBTQ+ |